The recipients, from Bath, were given their medals at Bath's Royal United Hospital.

One of the recipients, Arthur Wheeler, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12.

"It was my mum who spotted the symptoms first - and she took me to the doctors to seek a diagnosis.

"At first the doctor was sceptical, but my mother was persistent and they soon discovered that I was diabetic.

"My mum and dad had a tough time coping with my diabetes, as they both had health issues of their own, so I spent several years in a Barnardo's Children's Home, where - along with other children with diabetes - I learned to manage my condition.

The other recipients are John Berry, Rosemary Warner, and Peter Shipp.

"I have three lovely children, none of whom have type 1 diabetes, and that makes me very happy," said Mr. Shipp, who had to have a leg amputated below the knee as a result of his diabetes.

In Rosemary Warner's family, however, diabetes is quite common: "Type 1 diabetes runs in my family," she said. "My dad and brother both have the condition. But I'm happy to say that I am managing it very well indeed."

The Lawrence Medal is named after Dr. Robert Daniel Lawrence, the UK's first prominent diabetes physician. Dr. Lawrence developed diabetes after a splinter of bone flew into his eye, and he decided to dedicate his career to finding new and improved diabetes treatments.

The medal is awarded to UK residents who have lived with type 1 diabetes for 60 years.